Racing motorbikes, isnt it fun?

[Moodyman]

It's even better when you match them down twisty descents. Done it a few times down Axe Edge and the Cat and Fiddle into Buxton.

All other things considered, can't we descend faster than motorbikes? I read on a biker's forum that they're in awe of our descending and leaning ability.

 

[Norm]

All other things considered, can't we descend faster than motorbikes? I read on a biker's forum that they're in awe of our descending and leaning ability.

Many factors involved, obviously, but no, generally, motorbikes are faster. For instance, you don't see many motorbikes having trouble carrying the cameras around the Tour and those are big, heavy scoots with pillions up against the best road racers in the world.

 

[fossyant]

All other things considered, can't we descend faster than motorbikes? I read on a biker's forum that they're in awe of our descending and leaning ability.

As Norm says, motorbikes are far faster. Motorbikes can lean more too. Down to the rider.

 

[Moodyman]

Many factors involved, obviously, but no, generally, motorbikes are faster. For instance, you don't see many motorbikes having trouble carrying the cameras around the Tour and those are big, heavy scoots with pillions up against the best road racers in the world.

You're probably right Norm. If I recall correctly I was researching descending twisty roads (on my push bike) and I ended up on a biker's forum. On that particular thread the biker's compared their descending ability with cyclists and how their lean was far more restricted to ours in the wet. Guess it links in to the variables you mentioned.

 

[Norm]

There was a 'proper' comparison test in Bike mag last year, their rider was very impressed with the speed of the cyclist down hill but the motorbike won. I have no science for it but I'd think the difference would be even greater in the wet.

 

[Linford]

The speed of the descent on a motorbike is only really limited to the ability to control it as and when it needs to be. Motorbike and rider weigh a lot more than a cycle and rider. 95% of the braking on a motorbike is done with the front end. If you are leaning over, you don't want to load up the tyre any more than necessary.

I am far faster uphill on my motorbike than downhill as if I need to slow or stop quickly, I have gravity on my side to do this.